Monye backs Sevens dream

Lions wing Ugo Monye believes the likely inclusion of Sevens in the Olympic Games will have a huge impact on the growth of the sport.

Monye, who won two Test caps for the Lions on their recent tour of South Africa, scoring a crucial try in the third Test victory over the Springboks, has no doubt that Sevens can help spread the rugby word with supporters and players alike.

Sevens has been recommended for inclusion in the 2016 Games and Monye is sure that its presence will have a positive effect on all aspects of the sport.

"The beauty of Sevens is that everyone would have a chance of winning a medal at an Olympic competition - it is that competitive," said Monye, who was a star of the IRB Sevens circuit before making his senior international bow last year.

"You see a small Rugby nation like Kenya competing alongside the traditional countries such as England and South Africa and winning. It would be fantastic for the popularity and growth of the sport."

The International Olympic Committee membership meets in Copenhagen next month to make a final decision on whether Sevens should be included in the 2016 calendar.

And Monye is the latest high-profile Lion to give his support to the cause by following the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio and Shane Williams in promoting the virtues of the shortened version of the sport.

"Sevens certainly does belong in the Olympics," Monye told the IRB website.

"It is a great sport, highly skilled and very fast.

"The fans absolutely love Sevens. They create a carnival atmosphere, which is what the Olympics is all about. It fits hand in hand."

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